President of Punjab Pakistan People's Party Parliamentarian (PPPP) Qasim Zia, commenting on the federal budget 2004-05, has termed it against wishes and aspirations of the people.
He stated that no substantive increase has been made for health and education sectors in the budget. Talking about 15 percent ad hoc relief to civil servants, he said that it was insufficient in view of escalating price hike.
About increase in pension ratio of 8 percent and 16 percent in different categories of retired employees, he stated that it was a cruel joke with them.
Talking about increase in prices of commodities, he said that increase in price of 'roti' was enough to open the eyes of every one. He also criticised the government for giving false hopes of relief in electricity charges, and said that 10 paisa relief to general consumer is another joke made in the budget.
Awami Qiadat Party secretary-general Muhammad Mehdi, giving his views on the budget, stated that nominal increase of two percent in education and 1.6 percent in health sector was insufficient.
Mentioning report of the World Bank about increase in poverty level in the country, he stated that the budget has failed to substantiate on this vital point.
Mehdi, lamenting that enough relief had not been given to civil servants in the budget, stated that it was pitiable that through a budgetary gimmick they have been left hapless in the lap of pay commission.
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